Window adapter



Feb. 16, 1960 J. H. SCHUSTER ETAL WINDOW ADAPTER 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 I Filed Aug. 21, 1957 gmw :64 (14mm 5' ,M

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Feb. 16, 1960 J. H. SCHUSTER ETAL 2,925,026

WINDOW ADAPTER Filed Aug. 21, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Irl/L/ WW6: med 16 Jcwah 3 United States Patent WINDOW ADAPTER James H. Schuster, Franklin Park, and Donald H. Schuster, Chicago, Ill., assignors to Rogers Follansbee, (Electric Heating 8: Cooling Company), Chicago, Ill.

Application August 21, 1957, Serial No. 679,473

- 13 Claims. (Cl. 98-94) This invention relates to a window adapter and, more particularly, to an adapter for use in combination with a window-mounted unit such as an air conditioner, fan,

or the like.

Although the adapter is described hereinafter in connection with an air conditioning unit, it is to be understood, of course, that such adapter is not to be limited to such an installation.

In prior adapters of this type, it is customary for the lower portion of the window disposed to one, or both, sides of the air conditioning unit (depending upon the relative location of the unit within the Window frame), to be covered by either a permanent or removable transparent, translucent, or opaque panel. In instances where the panel is removable, storage of the panel during certain seasons of the year oftentimes presents a problem not easily overcome, particularly where the panel has a relatively large dimensional area. On the other hand, in instances where the panel is permanently installed, the latter is frequently hingedly mounted to a stationary supporting frame and capable only of being swung into the room when fresh air is desired to be admitted during inoperation of the unit or when the panel is to be washed. In this latter situation, the utility of the window-sill as a place for storage of books, magazines, or the like, or as a support for a decorative vase, plant, or the like, is seriously impaired. 1

Furthermore, in certain other prior window adapters, there is customarily utilized a support element or brace which is permanently mounted on the window frame and the unit, as well, and spans the entire width of the lower window portion. In addition, such supporting elements oftentimes limit the location of the unit to only one location Within the window frame. Prior window adapters frequently make the raising and lowering of the window sash behind the adapter an extremely awkward and diflicult operation.

In still other prior adapters it is necessary for the air conditioning unit to be slidably moved away from the window sash in order to permit the latter to be lowered behind the adapter when the window is being cleaned or the unit is being rendered inoperative during certain seasons of the year.

A further shortcoming normally associated with prior adapters is that the latter are generally manufactured in relatively few standard sizes, thereby requiring extensive and difllcult modifications of such standard sizes to suit particular installations.

'Lastly, in certain prior adapters, because of the method of removing or adjusting the panel, or because of the necessity of sliding the air conditioning unit relative to the window sash, extreme difficulty is encountered in perfecting a weathertight seal around the adapter and air conditioning unit.

Thus, it is one of the objects of this invention to provide an improved window adapter which is inexpensive and simple to manufacture and is readily adaptable to conform to windows as well as units varying in size and 2,925,026 Patented Feb. 16, 1960 2 r shape over a wide range, without requiring costly and extensive modifications to such adapter.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a window adapter which will permit the unit to be located in any position between the upright side portionsof the window frame.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved adapter which permits the window sash to be readily lowered behind the adapter during certain seasons of the year or during periods when the sash is being washed, without requiring movement of the air conditioning unit itself. a

It is a further object of this invention to provide a window adapter which effects a friction seal between the movable sash and the window mounted unit.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved. adapter which has a self-storing panel which, when in position of storage, acts as a protector for the outwardly exposed face of the unit.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide an improved adapter which does not materially obstruct the view through the lower portion of the window frame not occupied by the air conditioning unit. a

Other objects may be seen, and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had, by referring to the following description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing. 7

In accordance with one embodiment of this invention, an improved window adapter is provided for use in combination with a window frame having a sash slidably mounted therein and having an air conditioning unit'or the like mounted within the lower portion of such window frame. The adapter comprises upper and lowerguideways, a panel adapted to slide laterally with respect to such unit within such guideways between open and closed positions and a flange member adapted to sealingly engage the lower edge of the window sash. The flange member comprises a pair of elongated sections which are hinged together at their end portions. It is preferred that the first of such sections be hingedly connected along its elongated side to the top surface of the air conditioning unit. The second flange section is adapted to be swung to a position wherein it spans the window opening disposed to one or both sides of the air conditioning unit. The upper guideway is likewise preferably made of a pair of segments, one being attached to the top surface of the air conditioning unit and projecting outwardly from the outwardly disposed face thereof; the other guide segment being attached to the second flange section and being adapted, when said second flange section is in one position of hinged adjustment, to be coaxially aligned with the first guideway section, thereby providing an elongated guideway in which the panel is permitted to slide.

For a more complete understanding of this invention, reference should be made to the drawings, wherein:

Figure l is a fragmentary perspective view of the interior of a window in which is disposed an air conditioning unit and the improved adapter.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view, partially in section, of the exterior of the window shown in Fig. 1 and with the panel of the improved adapter in a partially open position.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to Fig. 1, with the window sash in a raised position and with one of the flange sections of the adapter in a partially folded-back position.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the improved adapter as viewed from the exterior of the unit, and showing the flange sections in a fully foldedback, inoperative position, whereby one of the guide segments is exposed.

Fig. 5 is similar to Fig. 4, but showing the flange sections in aligned relation but with said sections disposed inwardly of the plane of the lower window sash.

Fig. 6 is similar to Fig. but showing the flange sections in operative position. and the bottom edgeof the lower window sash in contact therewith; the window sash being shown partially in section.

Fi'g. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional 7 view showing the improved adapter in storage or inoperative position and the lower window sash in its fully lowered position within the window frame. 7

Fig. 7 is a side elevational view taken along line 88 of Fig.6.. 7 H

Fig. 9 is similar to Fig. 4, but showing the guide seg ment attached to the unit, in a partially disassembled condition, to permit removal of the panel from the a t r t Fig. 10 is ahehlarged fragmentary perspective view of a window, as seen from the interior, showing a modified formof the improved adapter mounted therein.

Referring now to the drawingsand, more particularly, to Figs. 1-9, the improved adapter 10 isshown "for use incombination with an air conditioning unit '11, or the like,rnounted within a window 12, the latter being of al double-hung type. The improved adapter, in this in stance, is shownutilized in a window 12 which has a width substantially greater than that of the .unit 11.

The window 12,which is of conventional construction,

includes arectangular-shape frame 13 and a sash 14,

having upper and lower sections14a and 14b, respectively, slidable in parallel vertical planes within the frame13.

, The air conditioning unit 11, byway of illustration,

inthisinstance is s hown in the. form of a rectangular solid having a relatively short dimension transverse to the plane of sash section 14b. Furthermore,. unit 11 is mounted within the frame so that no portion thereof 'projects outwardly beyond the'plane of sash section 14b. As seen in Fig- 1, unit 1'1 is shown mounted'along the lower right hand side of frame 13, whereupon adapter .10 is provided to effect closing off of thespacedisposed to the left of the unit. It is to be understood, of course, that the adapter is not limited to the precise installation as shown, but may be readily adapted for use in an in ,-stance where the unit is disposed in the lower. left hand side or substantially the lower center of the frame. it isto ,be further understoodthat many types of units ,Otherthan that shown, such as exhaust fans heat units, f exhaust ducts, or the like, may be utilized in combination with adapterllfl. v a

V vAdapter 10 includes an .upperguideway 15 which is made up of two axially alignable, elongated channel sec- ,tions, 16 and 16a, and a lower guideway ls 'formed of 'a single channel section which is attached to the bottom ori sill portion 17 of frame 13, andspans the entire 7 width of the window frame. Guidways 15 and 18 are ,interconnected by a vertica'l channel section 19, which is permanently secured to an upright window frame por- ,tion 13a. Guideways 15 and 18 and vertical channel .section 19 are disposed in a plane parallel to and inwardly of the plane of .sas h section 14b. On the side vllaeof unit 11 is attached an elongated sealing piece 19-which is disposed substantially parallel to channel section 19-and extends from guideway 15 to guideway 18. Piece 19' is formed of felt-like material which slidably engages the inside surface of panel 20. Thefunction of the guideways and interconnecting section will become apparent from the description to follow hereinafter.

.A panel 20 is of, rectangular configurationand formed, Q preferably, of a transparent material, such as glass or plastic, and is adapted to slide laterally'of ilnit llwithin l guideways15- and 18so as to occupy'the window opening adjacent the unit, see Fig. 1. 'Pan'eh 20 is preferably reinforced. about its periphery ,by a 'fiameiZDa, which also permits "slidifigbf the panel" 20 in a mo efacile fully closed position, channels 15, 18 and 19 snugly engage the peripheral frame 20a and piece 19 engages the inner surface of panel 20 so as to effect sealing of the window opening against any wind, rain, dust, or the like. Because of the slidable mounting of panel 20, the latter may be readily moved to a partially open position, see Fig. 2, or fully opened position wherein a controlled amount of fresh air may be introduced through the uncovered portion of the. opening when the unit is not in operation. A handl'e'2'0b is provided to facilitate slidable movement of the panel 20.

In order to maintain an effective weather-seal between adapter 10 and the bottom portion of window sash section 14b, when the unit 11 is in operating position, such as shown in Fig. 1, the adapter is provided with a window flange assembly 21, which comprises a pair of elongated interconnected flange sections 22 and 22a, which are substantially Z shaped in cross-section, see Fig. 9.

-Flange section 22 is attached to the upper surface 11b of unit 11 by means of an elongated hinge 30, see Fig. 6. Hinge 30 preferably extends the full width of unit 11 and has itsaxis disposed parallel to the plane of sash section 14b. One section 31 of hinge 30 is movable and is secured to flange section 22; the other hinge section 31', on the other hand, is'secured to the top surface 11b of unit 11. A second hinge 32 is provided which connects the lefthand end of flange section 22, see Fig. 9, to a corresponding end of flange section 22a. ,The

axis of'hinge 32 is perpendicular to the plane of window sash 14 and the'axis of hinge 30 as well. The hinged sections of hinge 32 are aflixed to corresponding flanges 28 and 28a of flange sections'22 and 22a, respectively. With hinge 32 flange sections 22a may be readily moved to either a fold-back position with respect to section 22, see Fig. 9, or an extended position, see Fig. 5, wherein section 22a spans the entire distance between side 11a of unit 11 and upright portions 13a of frame 13. Flange section 22a, when in extended position, is substantially parallel to guideway 18. Once section 22a is in its extended position, that is to say, axially aligned with section 22, thetwoflange sections may be pivoted as a 'unit about hinge 30 "as an axis. This latter pivoting movement of these sections is accomplished only when 'the'lower window sash section 14b is raised away from -the u'prightsurface of unit 11. When flange sections 22 and 22a are pivoted about hinge 30 as an axis, to the position shown, in Fig. 8, the corresponding flanges 28 and 28a of sections 22 and 22a, respectively, will project outwardly in an overhanging relation with the exterior surface 11c of unit'll. Upon flanges 28 and 28a assuming such position, see Figs. 6 and 8, the bottom portion of sash'section 14!; will rest upon such flanges. The center or web portions 29 and 29a of flange sections 22 and 2211, respectively, are disposed to the interior side of sash section 14b and thereby'cooperate with flanges 28 and 28a to form a weather-tight seal with the bottom of'sash section 14b.

In Fig.9, guideway section 16'is shown attached directly ,to the top surface 111) of unit 11 by means of a substantially L-shaped elongated'bracket 34, which has the longer leg portion 34bthereof rigidly secured to unit surface llb'beneath section 31 of hinge 30. The shorter leg portion 34a of bracket 34 is channel-shaped in crosssection. and is adapted to snugly'receive the innermost leg of the channel-shaped guideway section 16. Thus, bracket v34 permits easy and rapid assemblyor disassembly ofthe guideway section 16 so as to facilitate removal or.replacement of the panel 20. V i

In assembling the panel 20 in the guideways, thelower edgeof the panel "isinitially inserted in the lower guideway18, whereupon the-guideway section ldis-then placedoverthe'upper'edge' of the. panel frame 20a and, siniultaneously,"the' inner'leg of the section 16" isins'erted into the channel-shaped pocket formed in leg portion 34:: of bracket 34.

Guideway section 16a, as heretofore mentioned, is afiixed to flange 28a of section 22a; thus, when flange section 22a is folded back upon section 22 about hinge 32 as an axis and then sections 22 and 22a pivot about hinge 30 as an axis to retracted position, see Fig. 9, no portion of the adapter is disposed within the path of sliding movement of sash 14b thereby permitting the latter to be readily moved to its fully closed position.

In instances where the windows have a width greater than twice the width of the unit 11 to be installed, an additional transparent partition 35 is positioned adjacent one side of the unit and secured thereto in a manner as shown in Fig. 10. The height of the partition 35 is the same as the height of the unit and the width of the partition will depend upon the width of the unit as compared to the width of the window. The unit 11 with or without partitions, extensions, or similar appendages may for convenience be termed a unit assembly.

In instances where partition 35 is used, guideway section 16, bracket 34, and flange section 22 are the same length and equal to the sum of the widths of unit 11 and partition 35.. This results in flange section 16a being of equal or shorter length than section 16 upon which it is to be folded back when the adapter is to be moved into inoperative position. .A pad 36, of felt, or some other suitable material, is secured to the outer upright edge of partition 35 and slidably contacts the interior surface of panel 20 so as to provide the necessary weather-seal between partition 35 and panel 20.

In operation, the adapter is disposed in the position with respect to the window and unit 11, as shown in Fig. 1. When in this position, the bottom of the window sash 14b is in engagement with flange members 22 and 22a. When, however, it is desired to close the window and to render the unit inoperative, panel 20 is moved relative to the guideways 15 and 18 to a position behind the unit 11; the window sash is then raised, whereby flange section 22a may be folded back upon section 22 and then sections 22 and 22a pivoted about axis 30 to a position as shown in Fig. 9. The window sash is then free to slide up and down relative to the window frame.

To place the adapter in operative position, the foregoing steps are followed in reverse.

If it is desired to place unit 11 in the lower left-hand corner of the window frame 13, rather than as shown in Fig. 1, flange 22a will be hinged to the opposite end of flange section 22 and guideways 15 and 18 will span the opening disposed to the right of the unit.

Thus, it will be seen that a window adapter has been provided which is inexpensive to manufacture and is readily adapted to conform to a window, as well as units, which vary in size and shape over a wide range without requiring costly and extensive modifications to be made to such adapter. In addition, the improved adapter is provided with a self-storing panel which also permits controlled amounts of fresh air to be introduced into the room when the unit is not in operation. The improved adapter does not obstruct the use of the window sill for storage or other purposes and permits the unit to be readily installed in various locations within the window frame.

While several embodiments of this invention are shown above, it will be understood, of course, that the inven tion is not to be limited thereto, since many modifications may be made and it is contemplated,'therefore, by the appended claims, to cover any such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

We claim:

, 1. A combination comprising a window frame hav- 7 ing side and end portions defining an opening; a sash slidably mounted between said side portions for movement in a plane within the opening in said frame; a fluid-directing unit assembly of a width substantially less than the width of the opening and mounted within the latter adjacent said plane of sash movement and against one 'side portion and one end portion of said frame whereby a space is defined intermediate said unit assembly and the second side portion of said frame; and an adapter including an elongate first guideway positioned on said frame one end portion intermediate said assembly and said plane of sash movement and extending laterally of said assembly into said space, a second guideway having two elongate guide segments, means for securing one of said guide segments in parallel relationship with said first guideway and in a plane substantially parallel to said plane of sash movement, means for removabiy positioning the second of said guide segments in axially aligned relationship with said first segment intermediate said first segment and the second side portion of saidframe, a panel supported between said first and second guideways and relatively movable therealong to substantially occupy said space, unit seal means forming a seal between said unit assembly and said panel and between said unit assembly and said one guide segment and sash seal means including two elongate sections, means interconnecting said sections to permit movement of said sections into axially aligned relation to substantially span the distance between said frame side portions, and means for mounting one of said sections adjacent said one guide segment, whereby said sections extend from the plane of said guideways into the plane of sash movement.

2. A combination comprising a window frame having side and end portions defining an opening; a sash slidably mounted between said side portions for movement in a plane within the opening in said frame; a fluiddirecting unit assembly of a width substantially less than the width of the opening and mounted within the latter adjacent said plane of sash movement and against one side portion and one end portion of said frame whereby a space is defined intermediate said unit assembly and the second side portion of said frame; and an adapter including an elongate first guideway positioned on said frame one end portion intermediate said assembly and said plane of sash movement and extending laterally of said assembly into said space, a second guideway having two elongate guide segments, means for securing one of said guide segments in spaced parallel relationship with respect to said first guideway intermediate said unit assembly and said plane of sash movement, and hinge means operatively connecting said guide segments together in end-to-end relation, whereby the other of said guide segments may be pivoted with respect to said one segment about an axis transverse to the plane of sash movement between a foldably retracted position and an axially aligned extended position, a panel supported between said first and second guideways and relatively movable therealong to substantially close the space laterally adjacent said unit assembly, unit seal means forming a seal between said unit assembly and said panel and between said unit assembly and said one guide segment, and sash seal means adjacent said second guideway extending from the plane of said guideways into the plane of sash movements for selective engagement with said sash.

3. A combination comprising a window frame having side and end portions defining an opening; a sash slidably mounted between said side portions for movement in a plane within the opening in said frame; a fluid-directing unit assembly of a width substantially less than the width of the opening and mounting within the latter adjacent said plane of sash movement and against one side portion and one end portion of said frame whereby a space is defined intermediate said unit assembly and the second side portion of said frame; and an adapter including an elongate first guideway positioned on said 7 "frame brie and poi-tion intermediate said assembly and 'said plane of sash movement and extending laterally of said assembly into said space, a second guideway havoccupy said space, unit seal means forming a seal be tween said unit assembly and said panel and between said -unit'asse'mbly and said one guide segment, and sash seal means including two elongate sections, hinge means connecting said sections in end-to-end relation, means for "mounting one of said sections adjacent said one guide in which it is axially aligned with said first-mentioned 'section to substantially span the distance between said frame side portions and a position in which it is fold- -ably retracted from the second side portion of said frame.

4. A combination comprising a window frame having side and end portions defining an opening; a sash slidably mounted between said side portions for movement in a plane within the opening in said frame; a fiuiddirecting unit assembly of a width substantially/less than the width of the opening and mounted within the latter adjacent said plane of sash movement and against one side portion and one end'portion of said frame whereby a space is defined intermediate said unit assembly and the second side portion ofsaid frame; and an adapter including an elongate first guideway positioned on said frame one end portion intermediate said assembly and said plane of sash movement and extending laterally of said assembly into said space, a second guideway having two elongate guide segments, means for securing one of said guide segments in parallel relationship with said first guideway and in a plane substantially parallel to said plane of sash movement, the second of said guide seg- -ments being selectively movable into axially aligned relationship with said first segment intermediate said first segment and the second side portion of said frame, a panel supported between said first and second guideways and relatively movable therealong to substantially occupy said space, unit seal means forming a seal between said unit assembly and said panel and between said unit assembly and said one guide segment, and sash seal means including two elongate sections, hinge means connecting said sections in end-to-end relation, means for mounting one of said sections adjacent said one guide segment, whereby said sections extend from the plane of said guideways into the plane of sash movement for selective engagement with said sash, the second of said sections being pivotally movable between a position in which-it is axially aligned with said first-mentioned section to substantially span the distance between said frame side portions and a position in which it is foldably retracted from the second side portion of said frame,

the second of said guide segments being connected to and carried by the second of said sash seal sections whereby both may be simultaneously retracted from the second side portion of said frame.

5. A combination comprising a window frame having side and end portions defining an opening a sash slidably mounted between said side portions for movement -in a, plane within the opening in said frame; a fluidf-- directing unit assembly of a width substantially less. than the width of the opening and mounted within the latter adjacent said plane of 'sash movement and against one 'side portion and one end portionof said frame whereby segment, whereby said sections extend from the plane of 'said guideways into the plane of sash movement for selectiveengagement with said sash, the second of said sections being pivotally movable between a position 2a space-is defined intermediate said gunit assembly and the second side portion of said frame; and an adapter including "an elongate first guideway positioned on said frame one end portion intermediate said assembly and said plane of sash movement and extending laterally of said assembly-into said space, a second guideway having two elongate guide segments, means for securing one of saidguidesegments in parallel relationship with said first guideway and in a plane substantially parallel to said plane of sash movement, the second of said guide segments being selectively movable into axially aligned relationship with said first segment intermediate-said first segmentand the second sideportion of said frame, a panel supported between said first and second guideways and relatively movable therealong to substantially occupy said space, iunit seal means forming a-seal between said unit assembly and said panel and between said unit assembly and said one guide segment, and sash seal means including twoelongate sections, hinge means connecting said sections :in end-to-end relation for .pivotal movement relative to one another about an axis transverse-to 'the plane of saidsash movement, means for mounting one vof said sections'a'cljacent said one guide segment, whereby said'sections extend from the plane of said guideway .into the plane of sash movement for selective engagement with .said sash, the second of said sections-being pivotallymovable between a position in which his axially aligned with said first-mentioned section to substantially span the distance between said frame side portions and a position in which it is foldably retracted from the second side portion of said frame and overlies said first-mentioned section when said sections areiin said second position of pivotal adjustment about said; parallel axis, the second of said guide segments being connected to :and carried by the second of said sash seal sections whereby both may be simultaneously retracted from the second sideportion of said frame.

6. A combination comprising a window frame having side .andend portions defining an opening; a sash slidably mountedibetween saidside portions for movement in a plane within the opening in said frame; a fiuiddirecting unit assembly of a width substantially less than the width of the. opening and mounted within the latter adjacentsaid plane of. sash movement and against one side portion and one end portion of said frame whereby a space .is defined intermediate said unit assembly and the second side-portion of said frame; and an adapter including an elongate first guideway position on said frame one end portion intermediate said assembly and said plane of sash movementand extending laterally of said assembly into .said space, asecond guideway having two elongate guide segments, meansfor securing one of said guide segments in parallel relationship with said first guideway and in a plane substantially parallel to said plane of sash movement, the second of said guide segments being selectively movable into axially aligned relationship with said first segment intermediate said first segment and the second side portion of said frame, a panel-supported between said first and second guideways and relatively movable therealong to substantially occupy said space, unit seal means forming a seal between said unit assembly and said one guide segment, and sash sealmeans including two elongate sections, hinge means connecting said sections in end-to-end relation, for pivotal movement relative to one another about an axis transverseoto the plane of said sash movement, second hinge means operatively connecting one of said elongate sections to said one guide segment for pivotal movement of said one section relative .to said one guide segment about. an axis substantially parallel to the plane of sash movement, .the second of said sections being pivotally movable with respect to said one section about said transverse axisvbetween a position in which it is axially aligned with said one'section to substantially span the distance between said' frame side portions and a position in which it is foldably retracted from the second side portion of said frame and overlies said one section, and said elongate sections being pivotally m'ovable as a unit about said parallel axis between a first position wherein corresponding portions of said element sections are disposed within said plane of sash movement and a second position wherein said element sections are withdrawn from said plane of sash movement, the second of said guide segments being connected to and carried by the second of said sash seal sections whereby both may be simultaneously retracted from the second side portion of said frame.

7. A combination comprising a window frame having side and end portions defining an opening; a sash slidably mounted between said side portions for movement in a plane within the opening in said frame; a fluid-directing unit assembly of a width substantially less than the width of the opening and mounted within the latter adjacent said plane of sash movement and against one side portion and one end portion of said frame whereby a space is defined intermediate said unit assembly and the second side portion of said frame; and an adapter including an elongate first guideway positioned on said frame one end portion intermediate said assembly and said plane of sash movement and extending laterally of said assembly into said space, a second guideway having two elongate guide segments, means for securing one of said guide segments in parallel relationship with said first guidewayand in a plane substantially parallel to said plane of sash movement, the second of said guide segments being selectively movable into axially aligned relationship with said first segment intermediate said first segment and the second side portion of said frame, a panel supported between said first and second guideways and relatively movable therealong to substantially occupy said space, unit seal means forming a seal between said unit assembly and'said panel and between said unit assembly and said one guide segment, and sash seal means including two elongate sections, hinge means connecting said sections in end-to-end relation for pivotal movement relative to one another about an axis transverse to said plane of sash movement, second hinge means operatively connecting one of said elongate sections to said one guide segment for pivotal movement of said sections as a unit relative to said one guide segment about an axis substantially parallel to said plane of sash movement between a first position wherein corresponding portions of said elongate sections are disposed within said plane of sash movement and a second position wherein said elongate sections are withdrawn from said plane of sash movement, said second element section when said sections are in said second position of pivotal adjustment about said parallel axis being pivotally movable about said transverse axis between a position in which it is axially aligned with said first-mentioned section to substantially span the distance between said frame side portions and a position in which it is foldably retracted from the second side portion of said frame and overlies said first-mentioned section, the second of said guide segments being connected to and carried by the second of said elongate sections whereby both may be simultaneously retracted from the second side portion of said frame.

10. An adapter for use in combination with an up-' right window frame, a sash slidably mounted within said frame for movement in a substantially vertical plane, and a fluid-directing unit mounted within said frame and having the exterior surface thereof spaced inwardly from the plane of said sash movement, the width of said unit being substantially less than the width of the opening delimited by said frame; said adapter comprising a panel track including a pair of elongate, vertically spaced, substantially parallel upper and lower guideways adapted to be mounted within said frame intermediate the unit and the plane of the sash movement, a panel slidably mounted between said guideways and movable between an open position adjacent one side of said track and a closed position adjacent the opposite side of said track and laterally adjacent said unit, said upper guideway comprising two elongate axially alignable guide sections, one of said guide sections being fixedly positioned with respect to said lower guideway, transverse hinge means operatively connecting said guide sections to one another in end-to-end relation whereby the other of said guide sections may be pivoted between an extended position in which it is axially aligned with said one-guide section and a retracted position in which it is folded over and lies substantially parallel to said one-guide section, means disposed adjacent said one side of said track and extending transversely outwardly in one direction from the plane of said track for engagement with the unit, and sash seal means disposed adjacent said upper guideway and being substantially coextensive therewith, said sash seal means extending transversely outward in the opposite direction from the plane of said track and being adapted to sealingly engage the window sash.

11. The structure of claim 10 in which the length of said upper and lower guideways is at least equal to twice the lateral span of said panel.

12. The structure of claim 10 in which the means for engaging the unit includes means for fixedly attaching said adapter to said unit.

13. The structure of claim 10 in which a longitudinal hinge means is provided for attaching said sash seal means to said upper guideway, whereby said sash seal means may be longitudinally folded and withdrawn from sealing engagement with the window sash.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,153,067 Hackney Sept. 7, 1915 2,029,610 Campbell et al. Feb. 4, 1936 2,193,284 I-Iueglin Mar. 12, 1940 2,822,745 Frank et al. Feb. 11, 1958 

